A later entrant to this year’s UFA market, Brett Leason hasn’t been able to secure a contract in the first three weeks of free agency. But while the NHL interest might not be materializing, it appears he may have some options in Russia, as Sport-Express’s Artur Khairullin reports (Telegram link) that the winger is of interest to some KHL clubs. It’s unclear if the interest is mutual or if Leason’s intention is to remain in North America next season.
The 25-year-old spent the last three seasons with Anaheim after they claimed him off waivers from Washington in 2022. In 2023-24, Leason had a career year, notching 11 goals and 11 assists in 68 games. The Ducks non-tendered him to avoid giving him arbitration rights but quickly re-signed him to a one-year, $1.05MM contract.
However, last season didn’t go anywhere near as well for Leason. He was quieter offensively, putting up just five goals with a dozen assists in 62 games while still averaging around 13 minutes a night of action. Meanwhile, he was a healthy scratch for the other 20. Unsurprisingly, with Leason still being arbitration-eligible, he was non-tendered once again last month.
This time, there wasn’t a quick contract to be landed. But Leason, a six-foot-five winger, has been primarily deployed in a defensive role over the last couple of years and has logged regular minutes on the penalty kill which could make him worthy of consideration for some teams heading into training camp. Speculatively, Leason is the type of player that teams will likely look to bring in on a PTO. But if he wants something guaranteed before then, it looks like he may have some KHL options on the table.
He should be receiving NHL Interest, And alot of it.
Agree. He’s a decent bottom six guy. I’d bet he will remain in the NHL.